DOE awards $6.1M for scientific and technical support to Energy Technology Alliance LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,128,759 ($6.1M)
Contractor: Energy Technology Alliance LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2023-11-01
End Date: 2025-04-30
Contract Duration: 546 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT (SETS) FOR VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES OFFICE.
Place of Performance
Location: GOLDEN, JEFFERSON County, COLORADO, 80401
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $6.1 million to ENERGY TECHNOLOGY ALLIANCE LLC for work described as: SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT (SETS) FOR VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES OFFICE. Key points: 1. Contract provides essential scientific, engineering, and technical support for the Vehicle Technologies Office. 2. The award was made through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of 546 days indicates a medium-term need for these services. 4. The use of Time and Materials pricing may require close monitoring to control costs. 5. The contractor, Energy Technology Alliance LLC, is positioned to deliver specialized expertise. 6. This contract supports the Department of Energy's mission in advancing vehicle technologies.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $6.1M over approximately 18 months appears reasonable for specialized scientific and technical support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for SETS within the Department of Energy would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while flexible, necessitates diligent oversight to ensure costs remain aligned with the scope of work and market rates for technical expertise.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The agency's commitment to open competition suggests a thorough evaluation process was undertaken.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the potential for cost savings and improved service quality that typically arises from a competitive bidding process. Full and open competition increases the likelihood that the government secures the best value for its investment.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office, which receives critical support for its research and development initiatives. Services delivered include scientific, engineering, and technical expertise to advance the development and deployment of energy-efficient and clean vehicles. The geographic impact is national, supporting federal efforts to improve transportation energy efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Workforce implications include the potential for highly skilled scientists and engineers to contribute to cutting-edge technological advancements.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing structure if not closely managed.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical technical support may pose a risk if performance issues arise.
- The specific technical expertise required may limit the pool of qualified subcontractors, potentially impacting small business participation.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process and potential for competitive pricing.
- Contract supports a critical mission area for the Department of Energy, aligning with national energy and environmental goals.
- The contractor, Energy Technology Alliance LLC, is likely selected for specialized knowledge and capabilities in vehicle technologies.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the Scientific, Engineering, and Technical Support (SETS) sector, a broad category encompassing specialized services for government agencies. This sector is crucial for supporting R&D, program management, and operational needs across various federal departments. Spending in this area often reflects the government's investment in innovation and technical expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within broader SETS categories or specific to the Department of Energy's R&D and technology development programs.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). While the prime contractor is not explicitly identified as a small business, the absence of set-aside provisions means that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on the prime contractor's own subcontracting plan and the availability of qualified small businesses in the relevant technical fields. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of Energy's contracting officers and program managers responsible for the Vehicle Technologies Office. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards, reporting requirements, and payment schedules tied to deliverables. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases and public reporting, though specific internal oversight mechanisms are not detailed in the provided data.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Energy - Vehicle Technologies Program
- Scientific, Engineering, and Technical Support Services
- Research and Development Contracts
- Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost creep due to T&M pricing.
- Need for strong performance monitoring and oversight.
- Contract duration requires sustained management attention.
Tags
department-of-energy, vehicle-technologies-office, scientific-engineering-technical-support, energy-technology-alliance-llc, time-and-materials, full-and-open-competition, bpa-call, research-and-development, transportation, colorado, medium-contract-value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $6.1 million to ENERGY TECHNOLOGY ALLIANCE LLC. SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT (SETS) FOR VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES OFFICE.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ENERGY TECHNOLOGY ALLIANCE LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $6.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-11-01. End: 2025-04-30.
What is the track record of Energy Technology Alliance LLC with the Department of Energy or similar agencies?
A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess Energy Technology Alliance LLC's track record. This would involve examining past contract awards, performance evaluations, and any history of disputes or contract modifications. Understanding their past performance, particularly on similar SETS contracts or within the energy sector, is crucial for evaluating their capability to successfully execute this current award. Without specific historical data, it is difficult to definitively gauge their reliability and expertise.
How does the awarded amount compare to typical SETS contracts for vehicle technologies?
The awarded amount of $6.1 million for approximately 18 months of service is a moderate-sized contract for specialized scientific and technical support. To benchmark this value effectively, one would need to compare it against similar contracts awarded by the Department of Energy or other agencies for SETS related to vehicle technologies or broader energy R&D. Factors such as the specific technical scope, duration, and required expertise influence pricing. A comprehensive comparison would involve analyzing contract databases for similar awards, considering inflation, and adjusting for any unique requirements of this specific BPA call.
What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for technical support?
The primary risk with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract, such as this one, is the potential for cost overruns if not managed diligently. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M agreements reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials. This structure can incentivize longer project durations or less efficient work if robust oversight and clear task definitions are not in place. For the government, effective risk mitigation involves establishing strong baseline estimates, closely monitoring labor hours and material costs, defining clear work requirements, and ensuring timely delivery of services.
How effective is the Vehicle Technologies Office in leveraging external technical support for its R&D goals?
The effectiveness of the Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) in leveraging external technical support is demonstrated by its consistent use of contracts like this one to augment its internal capabilities. VTO's mission relies heavily on specialized expertise that may not be available in-house, making external support critical for advancing research in areas like battery technology, lightweight materials, and advanced combustion. The success of these engagements is typically measured by the VTO's progress towards its strategic goals, such as improving fuel economy standards, reducing emissions, and accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles. The continued awarding of such contracts suggests a perceived value and effectiveness in this support model.
What is the historical spending trend for SETS contracts within the Department of Energy?
Historical spending trends for Scientific, Engineering, and Technical Support (SETS) contracts within the Department of Energy (DOE) generally show a significant and consistent investment. The DOE relies heavily on external expertise to manage its complex portfolio of research, development, environmental cleanup, and infrastructure projects. Spending in this category often fluctuates based on agency priorities, congressional appropriations, and the initiation of new large-scale initiatives. Analyzing multi-year spending data would reveal patterns related to specific DOE program offices, such as the Vehicle Technologies Office, and highlight the overall reliance on contractors for specialized technical services.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Remediation and Other Waste Management Services › Remediation Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 920 NW BOND ST STE 204, BEND, OR, 97703
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Joint Venture Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Joint Venture Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $6,128,759
Exercised Options: $6,128,759
Current Obligation: $6,128,759
Actual Outlays: $6,128,759
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 89243423AEE000008
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-11-01
Current End Date: 2025-04-30
Potential End Date: 2025-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-02
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